Flying United Polaris Business Class Chicago to Frankfurt

When traveling between Kansas City, Missouri and Amsterdam earlier this week we got to experience the new United Airlines Polaris business class service on a flight between Chicago and Frankfurt.

Introduced last December, the Polaris service replaced United BusinessFirst service on the carrier’s international flights. Described as a “reinvention of the international premium cabin travel experience,” United Polaris service is designed to offer travelers “elevated comfort and service from lounge to landing for a restful night’s sleep in the air.”

In our seats we found the new custom-made Saks Fifth Avenue luxury bedding. The pillow proved to be soft and comfortable, while the blanket was one that we’d like to have at home.

There are also other upgraded Polaris business class amenities available on request. Mr. Jones liked the cooling gel memory foam pillow while I appreciated the slippers.

The Polaris amenity kit contained upgraded eye shades as well as spa-quality Cowshed products from Soho House & Co. One of the more unique items is the Cowshed “sleepy cow” relaxing pillow mist.

As we settled in, we choose sparkling water as our pre-flight beverage. The water was served in a fun little cup holder with a chocolate on the side. What’s not to love?

After take-off, I was intrigued to try a wine flight. The flight offered six different wines – three whites and three reds. I choose the whites for my flight. Note my slippers at the top of the photo.

The wine flight made things a little crowded once the meal service started; regardless, I think the wine flights are a fun idea.

The food is part of the “reimagined” dining options that United Airlines created in partnership with chefs from The Trotter Project.

I chose the poached cod entree, served with lobster sauce and vegetables.

Mr. Jones had the beef short rib.

There is one more part of the United Polaris service that we’ve yet to experience: the new United Polaris seat. It is now only on United flights with utilizing the new Boeing 777-300ER – also known as the 77W.

The new United Polaris seat features forward-facing, direct-aisle-access seats that recline flat, providing sleeping spaces that are perfect for Mr. Jones in that they expand up to 6 feet 6 inches long. In locations where two seats are next to each other, there’s a powered privacy divider for privacy from other travelers.

United is phasing in planes with the new Polaris seats during the next few years. Currently, the best opportunity to experience the Polaris seats on new Boeing 777-300ER planes in when flying United to Asia out of San Francisco.